Astray Among The Stars

Chapter 27: Prequel to Power

Circa 2176

Zarra stormed into the room, tears in her eyes.

"Zarra," Marlin chased, "Zarra!"

She collapsed on the bed in tears. He sat next to her, resting his hand on her shoulder. "What's wrong?"

"I failed the pilot's test!"

"Zarra, Zarra, it's okay. You can always take it for a third time."

"Fifth! I'm such a failure!"

He sighed. "Zarfire, it doesn't matter."

"Stop it. Don't call me that."

"Come on, Zarfire."

Her frown broke into a smile. She smiled because of him. The nicknames, the comfort, the reason he was always there for her was because he cared. For all the fifteen years they've known each other, he was present, guiding her, teaching her, encouraging her, defending her. He was always there.

"I see that smile."

Here they were again. Alone. It was clear to her why everyone joked about it. Their whole ship knew he had a thing for her, and she had a crush on him, but nothing ever came of it. Did he know? She turned, sitting up and facing him. Now was her chance. She leaned in, her heartbeat escalating. Their lips met in a flood of bliss.

It was unexpected. Marlin broke the engagement. It wasn't right. He was an operations officer-the rank of corporal-and he out-ranked her; Zarra was an ensign, the engineer's assistant. But there was more to it.

"We can't be together."

"Why? Is it our schedules?"

He signed, his eyes centered on the floor. "Captain called me in today. He assigned me Tactical Officer on another ship."

"That's good. You'll get the promotion you deserve, Sergeant. Besides I can always transfer-"

"It's a colony ship, Zar, not an explorer class. It's unlikely you'd be able to transfer. Once we reach Trappist-1 F, I probably won't see you again."

"We still have two months."

"What then?"

"I- I don't know. . . We could try long distance."

"Zarra, is it worth it, knowing we'll be apart, on different ships light years away with different crews? What if one of us moves on?"

"I won't."

"And if I do?"

"I'll wait or find someone else."

"I think it's better if we go separate ways."

She took hold of his hand. "Please. I've had feelings for you since fifth grade. Let's have something now while we still can. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it."

Marlin sighed. "All right." She hugged him. "Just don't get too attached."

7 Years Later

Zarra sat in her command chair, the rank of commander displayed on her chest. Captain Sirvet exited his quarters, untimely of the night shift.

"Come here, Zarra," the captain called, "I have important news."

She entered the quarters. "What is it?"

"I've assigned you to another ship. The Hestia. She's old, but she needs a captain."

"Why can't they promote their own?"

"The commander actually requested you after Tarkman retired."

"Me?"

He nodded. "Yes. When we arrive at Wolf 1061 Station, I'll escort you to your new ship."